How I Go Columbia: Village Idiot’s Kelly Glynn

For 13 years, Kelly Glynn has helped plan the wildly popular St. Patrick’s Day festival in Columbia’s Five Points.

The festival is an event near and dear to Glynn, who owns and operates Five Points’ Village Idiot Pizza. A native of the Lowcountry, Glynn moved to Columbia and graduated from Irmo High School before earning a degree from the University of South Carolina.

She and her husband both worked at Village Idiot while at USC and took ownership of the restaurant in 2003. In 2009, the couple opened a second location in Forest Acres and recently added a third in Olympia at The Mills.

Glynn’s first restaurant venture, The Five Points Diner, solidified her love for the Five Points area and her interest in keeping the eclectic village vibrant. In addition to her work with the St. Pat’s festival, Glynn sat on the Five Points Association Board of Directors for 10 years.

EAT: My absolute favorite thing to eat are tacos, and my go-to is Cantina 76. The buffalo chicken is my favorite, but I absolutely love all that they do. Real Mexico is another must-have for me in Columbia for truly authentic Mexican. I also cannot turn down an invitation to dine at Mr. Friendly’s. It’s one of my favorite spots to take out-of-town friends to show off not only Five Points but some of the best food and atmosphere Columbia has to offer.

PLAY: As a restaurateur, it is hard to find a lot of time to play. We enjoy time in the yard and by the pool and attend USC athletic events when we can. I am also a river lover and always enjoy any time I can be near or on our beautiful rivers.

DRINK: Village Idiot is where I enjoy most of my cocktails, but a Cantina margarita is top on my list. Cellar on Greene for some bubbly or saki at M Vista are welcome treats. I am also very excited that Goats is now open in Five Points. I am looking forward to a martini after planning season.

LISTEN: Music Farm has done a fantastic job bringing some great live music back to Columbia. I am from the generation that went to USC during Rockafellas time and I saw some really great music. I also like to get my music fix at several of the great festivals Columbia offers. St Pat’s in Five Points (is a favorite), of course. Jam Room Music Festival is also one of my favorite events.

SEE: It’s amazing to me all the things to see and do in Columbia. There is always a sporting event or concert or festival or movie or opera or musical or theater or ballet. It’s something that our community should be very proud of. I like to take in the beautiful scenery at our waterfronts, though, on a summer afternoon.